On the 29th and 30th of October, jointly sponsored by RUC, Nankai University and Lanzhou University, and in accordance with the strategy for national development, RUC’s School of Economics organised the “15th Annual Meeting on Developing National Regional Economics Studies.” The purpose of this meeting, held at RUC’s Yifu Conference Centre, is to generate fresh academic discussion on this most important of topics. Over two hundred academics and specialists in the field of economics who work in government, research and education were in attendance, hailing from such institutions as the Standing Committee of the NPC, the State Council’s Development Research Centre, the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Peking University, Tsinghua University, Renmin University, Nankai University and Lanzhou University.
RUC President LIU Wei delivered the welcoming address for the symposium, in which he highlighted the centrality of regional development and thinking on regional economics in the theory and practice of China’s national development strategy. He continued, noting that in the wake of strong economic development of the market comes a push toward regional integration, driving the process of townisation. Nationally, there are great expectations on and demands for regional economic development, where it is believed there are great opportunities to be had. He concluded, saying that it is in light of this that we convene this annual meeting on developing regional economics studies, so as to deepen our exploration into the issues surrounding regional development, and to highlight the significance of developing the field of regional economic studies.
Following President LIU’s address, Vice President of Lanzhou University GAO Xincai took to the podium to say a few words, noting the rapid development of the field of regional economic studies, and that it provides a pivotal role in theoretical development, as well as for fostering the next generation of leaders, crucial for implementing the plan of national and regional development.
Next, Assistant to the President of Nankai University LIU Binglian gave an oration in which he pointed out that regional development is a branch of economics of vital importance for realising national development, and that in the future those involved in policy development will increasingly make use of the theoretical achievements of studies in regional economics.
The opening ceremony was hosted by the Dean of the School of Economics at Renmin University, ZHANG Yu.
On the 29th, there were many fine presentations outlining some of the key issues faced in studies of regional economics. Some such topics under discussion were: the latest developments in economic geography; developing schools of thought in regional economics; the development strategy coordinating the Jing-Jin-Ji (the integration of Beijing, Tianjin and Hebei) project; finance for poverty alleviation; environmental evaluation of regional development strategies; and metropolis construction.
On the 30th, there were further illuminating presentations, focussing on such crucial problems as: townisation in the context of regional economics; research towards a macro-understanding of the implication of the ‘Belt and Road’ initiative; policy and research for advancing studies in economic geography; analysis of the mechanisms evolving regional economic structures; analysis and reflections on the economic integration of the Jing-Jin-Ji region; and the green transformation of the city.
The symposium was divided into eight mini fora on the following topics “National territorial strategies and regional economic development”; “regional economic theories and methods”; “regional policy planning and economic growth”; “regional poverty alleviation and integrating town and country”; “regional innovation and development”; “regional green development and ecological protection”; “regional territory layout and trends” and “developing regional cities and townisation;” these fora served as a platform for showcasing the research and accomplishments of over 80 major academics.
This symposium also created fertile grounds for high level discussion on the issue of “national territorial strategies and the future of studies in regional economic development,” with academics from all around China bringing their experience and views to the table for discussion, bringing up important points about some of the problems faced in the area regional economics.
This symposium has been running for fifteen years, and is jointly sponsored by RUC, Nankai University and Lanzhou University. The purpose is to promote regional economic studies, with the purpose being to open up, expand, and encourage academic discussion and exchange, so as to further promote the development of the field of regional economic studies, helping the nation resolve one of the most pressing issues it is facing at present.
